Is it absolutely necessary to use "than" over "then" in a comparison? [closed]

Do you think you are smarter then me?

While this question should be using than...I have to wonder if this is a debatable topic within English or is this cut and dry? If this specific instance is indeed cut and dry are there any instances on the usage of then and than that would cause a hot debate amongst English professors?

Solution 1:

There is no ambiguity between when to use then and when to use than. It is purely a phonologically driven error that people make when they are writing, because often the vowel in than is reduced, causing then and than to sound similar or identical (depending on your accent).

Note that it is possible for the improper use of then in place of than to lead to an unintended meaning:

I am more interested in taking a nap than going to the party.

The above means: I prefer a nap over attending the party.

I am more interested in taking a nap then going to the party.

This one means: I prefer taking a nap, and afterwards attending the party.

Solution 2:

It's cut and dry: people who use "then" in a comparison are spelling it wrong. I can't think of a situation where there's any ambiguity about the choice between then and than; they're completely different parts of speech.